Norway Bans Hormuz Transits, India Makes a Deal With Iran for Safe Passage

Strike damage to the engine room of the Thai bulker Mayuree Naree during a Hormuz transit (Royal Thai Navy)

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The Norwegian Maritime Authority has announced the strictest step yet made by any government agency or industry association to address the risk of Iranian attack in the Strait of Hormuz: an inbound transit ban. Effective Thursday, no Norgwegian-flagged ships are permitted to enter the Arabian Gulf, regardless of the shipowner's own risk assessments. 

"We do not believe any shipping companies are planning to sail into this area in the near future, but as the situation has now developed, it is important for us to emphasize that we are now moving from a strong recommendation related to ship traffic in the area to a ban on entering the Strait of Hormuz," said Maritime Director Alf Tore Sørheim. 

Companies with Norwegian-flagged vessels already located in the Gulf may still make their own assessments about whether it is safer to stay in the region or to attempt a run through the strait to reach safety. Recent events off the UAE and Iraq have shown that even vessels far from Hormuz are still vulnerable to Iranian strikes. 

Go to this link to read the full article published by The Maritime Executive https://maritime-executive.com/article/norway-bans-hormuz-transits-india-makes-a-deal-with-iran-for-safe-passage